The parents of landscape architect Joanna Yeates faced her killer in court for the first time today.
Tragic Jo, 25, disappeared after enjoying a few drinks with work colleagues on December 17, 2010 – with her frozen body found on Christmas Day morning.
Dutch architect Vincent Tabak, 33, was due to sign an enhanced statement of his defence case including more detail with regard to how, where and when he killed Jo.
He has admitted the manslaughter of landscape architect Jo, who lived in a neighbouring flat in Canynge Road, Clifton, but denies murder.
Devastated Teresa and David Yeates attended a short court hearing before the trial of Vincent on October 4.
They briefly looked at the Dutch architect a few times throughout the briefing at Bristol Crown Court, which took place at 12pm.
Mrs Yeates wore a smart blue and White top with a dark blazer, while her husband was dressed in a shirt and beige blazer.
They arrived at the court holding hands accompanied by two police officers and sat in the public gallery during the court proceedings.
Tabak arrived at court in a prison van from HMP Long Lartin where he is currently being held in custody.
It was the first time the couple, from Hampshire, had seen the killer of their beloved daughter in the flesh as he has previously only appeared via video link.
After the hearing, the couple were ushered into a private room outside the court room.
Tabak kept his head bowed for much of the proceedings and spoke three words ”Yes I am” when asked to confirm his name.
He admitted the manslaughter of architect Jo at a previous hearing but denies her murder.
Nigel Lickley, QC, prosecuting, raised 11 points with the defence team and His Honour Judge Martin Picton during the 30 minute pre-trial review.
The murder trial is to open on Thursday October 6 following two days of jury selection and legal issues.
Mr Lickley revealed the prosecution’s case would include a digital presentation and a site visit in Bristol.
Judge Picton, who was expecting to see an enhanced defence statement yesterday, made an order for it to be submitted by Tabak’s legal team this Friday by 4pm.
Tabak’s legal team did not raise any matters during the hearing.
Jo, who lived in Clifton, Bristol with boyfriend Greg Reardon, went missing after going out for drinks with work colleagues on December 17.
Her frozen body was discovered by dog walkers on Christmas Day morning in Failand, North Somerset.
